'He tried to console both Dhyan and me, something shameful happened next'; Sathyan Anthikad opens up

Before his death, Sreenivasan had a very private conversation with director Sathyan Anthikad. Among many things he requested, one was Sreenivasan’s wish not to have his body kept for public viewing. However, since many people wanted to have a last glimpse of the actor, the wish could not be fulfilled, and a public viewing was arranged for a short period in Kochi. While responding to the latest debate over the ruckus created by YouTubers at Salim Kumar’s funeral, Sathyan Anthikad opined that things have transpired in such a way that it is impossible to identify who is a relative or a friend at a funeral.

Sathyan Anthikad:

“At that moment of emotional turmoil, we are unable to react. When Sreenivasan's body was being taken to the pyre, someone stood next to Dhyan Srinivasan and me and hugged us as if to console us. Then I saw him gesturing to someone far away to take a photo. In such a situation, we are not in a state of mind to push them away. We become so helpless.

Considering what happened in Salim Kumar's house, legal action against such YouTubers has become very necessary. Their intervention is, in a way, leaving all others helpless and impossible to control. No one should come to such places without permission. This should be strictly followed. People at the funeral home should also be vigilant about it. To my knowledge, when Kodiyeri Balakrishnan died, YouTubers were denied entry and controlled well by the comrades. The same can be done again.

The police should not limit themselves to just making announcements, but should take this on as a mission. There is hope since V.D. Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala are at the helm of the government. They can do this. It is high time to end the culture of YouTubers heckling celebrities with mobile phones at all locations.